A snapshot of activities, speeches, visits and events from the Vice-Chancellor's diary:
Giving evidence at Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee
Martin Bean gave oral evidence at the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee as part of its Inquiry into the Future of Higher Education. The committee will consider the impact of the proposed reforms in higher education on widening participation, including access to the most selective universities, how to raise aspirations, and ensuring that the UK has the skills it needs to compete globally. Watch a video of the session here.
British Council partnership will create new pathway for international students
British Council CEO Martin Davidson and Martin Bean have signed a memorandum of understanding which should lead to a new route into UK higher education for students around the globe. The partners' vision is for the OU to provide learning materials and assessment and exam criteria for English language and some of our undergraduate modules while the British Council hires and trains teachers to deliver the courses and exams.
VC joins Commonwealth of Learning board
Martin Bean has joined the Commonwealth of Learning Board of Governors as Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma’s appointment. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.
The Education Bill Committee and Part-time Learners
The Vice-Chancellor presented the case for part-time learners when he gave evidence to the Education Bill Committee on 3 March 2011. Martin Bean gave evidence alongside Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck College, and John Widdowson, Principal, New College, Durham. The session can be viewed at the link below, starting at 1hr 30 mins.
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=7836
The Education World Forum
In January 2011 Martin Bean joined delegates from 65 countries - including 50 Ministers - to discuss challenges facing education worldwide and to share experience and solutions.
Read the summary from the Education World Forum 2011 - the Global Summit of Education Ministers
Universities UK debate on higher education funding
Martin Bean was among the speakers at this Universities UK event, an early opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the government's response to the Browne Report.
Watch the video from this event
Martin Bean responds to the Browne Report
As the Browne Report - Securing a Sustainable Future for Higher Education - is debated, the Vice-Chancellor welcomes its recommendations on a level playing field for the four in ten students who study part-time.
The learning journey: from informal to formal
Martin Bean delivers the opening keynote address to the JISC Conference 2010
The learning journey: from informal to formal April 2010
Degree ceremony at Birmingham's Symphony Hall
The Vice-Chancellor presides at one of 26 OU degree ceremonies held in 17 locations during 2010.
